Outline

Objective: The pathophysiology of the perihemorrhagic zone (PHZ) following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains unclear. With the aim of characterising perihemorrhagic changes we established an experimental electrocorticographic (ECoG) monitoring in swine. The description of the model will be presented and preliminary data suggesting the existence of spreading depolarisations (SD) related to ICH.

Results: Within the hyperacute phase of ICH (<3hrs) no pathological electrocorticographical changes were detected. In the remaining time SDs occurred as early as 6 hours after ICH induction. Once SDs were present immediate perfusion changes (both hypoperfusion and hyperperfusion) and metabolic deterioration were observed in 6 out of 8 animals.

Conclusions: We established an experimental, ICH model in swine applying multiparametric neuromonitoring and ECoG. Spreading depolarizations are not likely to occur in the hyperacute phase after ICH but will subsequently be present past 6 hours. These findings frequently go along with alteration of cortical perfusion and metabolic deterioration. Our findings support the theory that SDs may contribute to secondary injury in the PHZ of ICH. This model may serve as a basis for further study of SDs after cortical ICH.